Antitrust: Commission confirms unannounced inspections in the sector of plastic pipes and plastic pipe fittings used in the sewage industry

The European Commission can confirm that on 26 June 2012, Commission officials undertook unannounced inspections in several Member States at the premises of companies active in the sector of plastic pipes and plastic pipe fittings used in the sewage industry. The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).

The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authorities.

The products concerned are plastic pipes and plastic pipe fittings used in the sewage industry. The investigation aims to clarify the facts concerning the possible participation by a number of undertakings in agreements and/or concerted practices, in order to establish whether these agreements and/or concerted practices constitute an infringement of Article 101 TFEU.

Unannounced inspections are a preliminary step into suspected anticompetitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour. Nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.

There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anticompetitive conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned co-operate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence.